The Heart of America Fastpitch League (HFL) is excited to spotlight Katie Oelze as the July Co-Junior Player of the Month. Oelze is a pitcher, first baseman, and outfielder for St. Louis Chaos 09 Perone.

Oelze worked hard at the mound this July leading her to post a .000 ERA, allowing two hits. At the dish, the 2027 maintained a .560 batting average, a .640 slugging percentage, and ended the month with seven RBIs.

Softball Story (How did you get started?  Tell us about you-
I started playing softball at the age of 6. I watched my neighbor who is a pitcher practice and she inspired me at a young age.  I watched her practice every day and I knew that I wanted to be a pitcher like her. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time watching my 2 older brothers play baseball and if it wasn’t for my brothers Ethan and Colton I wouldn’t be where I am today. They have caught me and helped me practice countless of times. I have also had so many great teammates and coaches to pick me up and push me to get better along the way.  I can’t imagine my life without softball and the amazing people who have helped me get where I am today.

Favorite Softball memory-
My favorite softball memory was at the Great Lakes Nationals being named MVP. I was in 10u at the time and it was really a great experience seeing my hard work pay off. Battling through to the championship game at a national tournament and then being awarded with MVP will always be one of my favorite memories.

Coaches Feedback-
Katie came to us a couple of years ago and has quietly and steadily improved each year and has become one of our most consistent offensive players. There were times in July when my thoughts were “how can we get Katie up in this inning” she was seeing it so well. She is a person that will do anything for anyone at any time and she plays and treats her team the same. This honor is well deserved, and we are so happy for her and the progress she continues to make.

What is the Alliance Fastpitch Player Recognition Program?
The Player Recognition Program was built to recognize and spotlight our individual players in each Member League. Each month, registered Alliance Fastpitch coaches can nominate a player from their age division. League Leadership will review nominations and a monthly stats report from AthletesGoLive (AGL) to determine the League’s Player of the Month.

Following the announcement of each League’s Players of the Month, the Alliance Fastpitch will recognize a National Player of the Month.

To be considered for Player of the Month, your team must score League games in AGL so your stats will be included in the League’s monthly report.